A vital element of jazz education has always been the direct transfer of knowledge between generations of musicians where students could “sit-in” to directly learn the craft from their professional contemporaries when gigs were steady, occurring often nightly.  To keep this essential tradition alive, Twin Cities jazz professionals founded The Minnesota Hard Bop Collective (aka […]

Naomi Uyama was an international swing dance champion searching for the perfect band – original but authentic – in the pocket and bringing the party. After searching the world over she took it upon herself to form “Naomi & Her Handsome Devils” from her favorite musicians from across the nation. Put them all together and […]

Hanson/Hirsh/Clowser shape musical narratives in real time. With Nathan Hanson on saxophone, Steve Hirsh on drums, and Ross Clowser on guitar, the trio invites their audience into a shared experience of creation, discovery, and beauty. Nathan Hanson: “Lithe and soaring, engaging in judicious honk ‘n’ splatter” (New York City Jazz Record), Nathan Hanson makes music that invites listeners to stand outside […]

The Avant Garde is a Twin Cities based music and entertainment production company that puts on curated events featuring urban eclectic entertainment. They also do consulting and provide artist development and assistance to elevate their brand. Chadwick “Niles” Phillips: Chadwick “Niles” Phillips is the CEO/Founder of The Avant Garde which is a program that produces […]

Brian Grivna began performing at age 12 as Young Artist clarinet soloist with the Minnesota Orchestra.  He added saxophone and flute the following year, and by age 15 was subbing for his teacher in commercial dance bands.  After receiving his BA in English Literature from Dartmouth College, he worked in jazz, commercial and theater music […]

The Jazz Women All Stars were created by Minnesota Music Hall of Fame vocalist and KBEM jazz radio personality Patty Peterson. In 2016, the Jazz Women All-Stars made a terrific debut at the Twin Cities Jazz Festival in Mears Park. This ensemble celebrates the great women of jazz artists in the Twin Cities, instrumentalists as […]

Abebi Stafford, a Twin Cities native, began playing piano at age nine. It wouldn’t be until he was seventeen years old when he would begin his jazz journey. Since that time, he has performed and recorded modern jazz, to fusion, to straight ahead jazz. He is an award-winning jazz pianist who plays with artistry, heart […]

Virginia transplant Abinnet Berhanu started his fascination with Black American Music on the trumpet but later fell in love with the sheer power of drums.  Having a reputation for being a passionate, explosive drummer, Abinnet has had the opportunity to work with Steve Wilson, The Minnesota Orchestra, JD Allen, Michael Cain, Byron Stripling, Bruce Harris, Russ […]

Doug Haining is one of the most swinging sax and clarinet players, citing the influence of Johnny Hodges. Doug has been delighting audiences for over three decades, working in Minneapolis, Minnesota area bands including The Wolverines Big Band, The Mouldy Figs, Red Wolfe’s Ellington Echoes, the Hall Brothers Band, the JazzMn Big Band, the Russ […]

This two-set show will feature the formidable trio of Ahndenet bandleader Abinnet Berhanu, new-to-town saxophonist Ryan Freitas, and Kennedy Center resident Lasse Corson. It’s an official Twin Cities Jazz Festival event! Virginia transplant Abinnet Berhanu started his fascination with music on the trumpet but later fell in love with the sheer power of drums. A […]